Second Cook

Yora Nordic Spa - Brownstone; Portland (CT); On-site; USD 38,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Wellness privileges and discounts

Bistro and retail discounts

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Yora Nordic Spa is opening in November 2026 and is building its founding Kitchen team. The Second Cook will support the Sous Chef and First Cooks, following recipes and production standards to deliver high-quality dishes for our first guests.

This is a hands-on culinary position that values quality, pride in craft and opportunity to develop in a growing wellness brand. Must be flexible for pre-opening periods and weekends.

Qualifications

• Previous culinary experience in a restaurant, hotel, resort, cafe or similar food-service environment is preferred.
• A basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen organization and food safety.
• The ability to follow standardized recipes and production instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to food quality and cleanliness.
• The ability to work efficiently and remain organized in a fast-paced kitchen.
• A willingness to learn, receive feedback and develop new culinary skills.
• The ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively as part of a culinary team.
• Appropriate food-safety certification or the willingness to obtain it within the required timeframe.
• Culinary education, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare assigned menu items accurately and consistently according to approved recipes and production standards.
• Follow established portions, preparation methods and presentation requirements.
• Complete assigned preparation and production within established timelines.
• Maintain food quality throughout preparation and service and raise concerns before food reaches the guest.
• Support dietary requirements and allergen procedures with accuracy and care.
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control and sanitation.
• Use FIFO and established inventory-rotation practices to reduce spoilage and unnecessary loss.
• Maintain a clean, organized, stocked and safe workstation.
• Use kitchen tools and equipment correctly and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Complete assigned opening, production, cleaning and closing responsibilities.
• Maintain consistency and organization during high-volume preparation and service periods.
• Work collaboratively with the Sous Chef, First Cooks and fellow culinary team members.
• Participate actively in training, seek feedback and apply coaching in everyday work.
• Follow recipe yields and portion standards and minimize waste through responsible preparation and product handling.

Skills

Culinary teamwork

Attention to detail

Food safety

Following recipes

Fast-paced environment

Willingness to learn

Education

Culinary education/apprenticeship

On-the-job training

Job description

Work in Wellness at the New Yora Nordic Spa

Something New Is Taking Shape

Opening in November 2026, Yora Nordic Spa is a place to pause, reconnect and experience wellbeing through nature, hydrotherapy and authentic human connection. It is a space where our team will create thoughtful and welcoming experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves, with others and with the natural world around them.

We are now building our founding team - the people who will bring Yora Nordic Spa to life and shape our culture from the very beginning. Working at Yora means working in wellness and contributing to a workplace and guest experience that are simple, inclusive, natural and social.

The Opportunity

The Second Cook will be part of Yora's founding Kitchen team, helping prepare the fresh, nourishing and thoughtfully presented food that will welcome Yora Nordic Spa's first guests in November 2026. This full-time role is anticipated to start between mid- and late October 2026. This is a hands‑on culinary position for someone who takes pride in quality and wants to continue developing their craft. Working alongside the Sous Chef, First Cooks and fellow culinary team members, the Second Cook follows established recipes and production standards while building the confidence and versatility needed to contribute across the Kitchen.

What You Will Do

• Prepare assigned menu items accurately and consistently according to approved recipes and production standards.
• Follow established portions, preparation methods and presentation requirements.
• Complete assigned preparation and production within established timelines.
• Maintain food quality throughout preparation and service and raise concerns before food reaches the guest.
• Support dietary requirements and allergen procedures with accuracy and care.
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control and sanitation.
• Use FIFO and established inventory-rotation practices to reduce spoilage and unnecessary loss.
• Maintain a clean, organized, stocked and safe workstation.
• Use kitchen tools and equipment correctly and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Complete assigned opening, production, cleaning and closing responsibilities.
• Maintain consistency and organization during high-volume preparation and service periods.
• Work collaboratively with the Sous Chef, First Cooks and fellow culinary team members.
• Participate actively in training, seek feedback and apply coaching in everyday work.
• Follow recipe yields and portion standards and minimize waste through responsible preparation and product handling.

What You Bring

• Previous culinary experience in a restaurant, hotel, resort, cafe or similar food-service environment is preferred.
• A basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen organization and food safety.
• The ability to follow standardized recipes and production instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to food quality and cleanliness.
• The ability to work efficiently and remain organized in a fast-paced kitchen.
• A willingness to learn, receive feedback and develop new culinary skills.
• The ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively as part of a culinary team.
• Appropriate food-safety certification or the willingness to obtain it within the required timeframe.
• Culinary education, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience is considered an asset.

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site position with shifts scheduled based on business and operational needs. The role requires flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. Additional flexibility will be required during the pre-opening and opening periods.

Benefits And Perks

As a member of Yora's founding team, you will be eligible to participate in a range of employee benefits and perks, which are expected to include:

• Health and wellness benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Employee wellness privileges and discounted experiences at Yora Nordic Spa locations.
• Bistro and retail discounts.
• Learning, growth and development opportunities within a growing wellness brand.

Yora is currently finalizing its employee benefit plans. Specific coverage, eligibility requirements, employee contributions and plan terms will be shared during the recruitment process and will be governed by the applicable plan documents.

Physical And Work Environment Requirements

This is a physically active position performed in a fast-paced commercial kitchen. The role involves extended periods of standing and walking; frequent bending, reaching, twisting and crouching; repetitive hand and arm movements associated with food preparation; pushing and pulling kitchen equipment and supply carts; and lifting and carrying routine food products, cookware, supplies and equipment. Employees work around hot surfaces, ovens, steam, refrigeration and freezer environments, sharp utensils, commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning products and chemicals, food allergens, noise, changing temperatures and wet or slippery surfaces. Appropriate food-safety procedures, equipment-safety practices and protective equipment must be used when required. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reasonable Accommodation

Yora Nordic Spa provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law. To request an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact People & Culture at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Yora Nordic Spa is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religious creed, age, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Work Here. Soak Here. Help Us Bring Yora Nordic Spa to Life.